Twitter Tuesday: 08.10.10
On August 10, 2010 we tweeted: Authors, do you have any habits you practice while writing to keep you focused, help your creativity, etc.? #twittertuesday
Here were your responses:
@LauraKreitzer: @fictionistawksp I drink an unnatural amount of Red Bull. #ImprovesWritingSkillz
@LauraKreitzer: @fictionistawksp I have a muse I keep in my closet. Sometimes she tries to run free, but I always find her again & lock her back up.
@Edwina_Cullen: @fictionistawksp Yes. @Cocacola needs to set up a new factory right next to my home! 
@CathrynLouis: @fictionistawksp go with what I’m in the mood 4 writing – blog, #wip, backstory… Not very efficient, but I rarely get blocked.
@AuthoressKimani: @fictionistawksp I have to clean something before I write so that my mind can be clear and focused #twittertuesday
@xHammondGirlx: @fictionistawksp If I’m on twitter, then all hope is lost when it comes to my writing. I really enjoy writing w/ others in a group chat. 
@StarlightS_: @fictionistawksp none. When I write I feel as if I am on trance or possessed, that’s why I don’t write always. I just wait for those moments
@jenndema: @fictionistawksp I only write new material when I’m feeling inspired. I don’t try to force it. When not inspired, I’ll edit old work or beta
@maganbagan: @fictionistawksp I read through my outlines a few times before getting started. Sometimes I talk myself through the scene I’m working on.
@EnigmaLynne: @fictionistawksp Depending on what I am writing, I listen to music in the background…it interacts so well with creating mood and thought
@m244robp: @fictionistawksp #twittertuesday Sit at my computer with my headphones playing my Quiet Instrumentals on Pandora or my ITunes.
@JulesJustWrite: @fictionistawksp music, music, music!
@mellieforyellie: @fictionistawksp I tend to usually have a friend online on Skype to help critique me, help me know what mood I’m making, etc.
@VivFicWriter: @fictionistawksp A long walk somewhere quiet…and private, so that I don’t look like a nut-job when I start talking to myself.
@sleepyval: @fictionistawksp I snort my ADD meds
@javamomma0921: @fictionistawksp I like it to be quiet and I enjoy writing with friends, in a WC type format. Deadlines help too!
@nicnicd: @fictionistawksp Playlists & an outline for chapter pasted into the doc. And no twitter!
@babetteab: @fictionistawksp Lock up the children! LOL! Actually, make sure they’re busy & remove all distractions.
@mkelly317: @fictionistawksp I daydream some, then I write some. Repeat.
@ejsantry: @fictionistawksp Brainstorming with willing or not so willing listeners.
@bookjunkie1975: @fictionistawksp I work plots out when I’m cleaning. It keeps me entertained. lol
@EnigmaLynne: @fictionistawksp – I prefer to be alone with my music. No distractions. I also write nagging parts first and work around them.
@jessypt: @fictionistawksp I walk and type out my story on my bb while listening to music.
Here is the conversation that happened on Facebook:
- Lily Kleiman Yeah, just keep writing and forget about the outside world.
- Tiffany Madison Yes. I must completely disconnect. Computer off, lights off, silence. Then a whole new world opens, which might also mean I’m crazy.
- Lily Kleiman I’ve often found there’s a fine line between being an author of fiction and schizophrenia. I hear voices in my head and they tell me to do things…
- Karla D. Gonzalez Lutteroth I feel like I am in trance, so I need to wait until I am possessed so I can write good stuff. That’s crazier than you guys.
- Tiffany Madison And then you write them down and make stories.
- Lily Kleiman Ooh, that’s totally what it’s like! Trance, excellent word
- Karla D. Gonzalez Lutteroth But you guys know what I mean. I hate it when I force it.
- Lily Kleiman Totally. Inspiration has to come naturally or not at all. If I were writing non-fiction I could probably force it, but not fiction. That just happens when it happens. And when it does… I write like a madwoman
- Karla D. Gonzalez Lutteroth Me too! trance=writing like a madwoman.
- Charles Blackstone Writing usually helps keep me focused on writing.
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I always like having some sort of background noise on, I don’t like it too quiet–so play I play electronic/trance music. The constant beat and lack of lyrics keep me in a “zone”. Also, as others have mentioned, turning off twitter is important too.